The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland's premier independent marine science organisation generating new knowledge for the benefit of the marine environment and society since 1884.

Dr Denise Risch

Marine Mammal Ecologist

I am a marine mammal ecologist interested in the study of underwater sounds and aquatic soundscapes.

I use passive acoustic monitoring to investigate how marine species use and are impacted by sounds and am interested in the development of acoustic methods to study species distribution and diversity as a tool for conservation.

I study aquatic soundscapes and am interested in developing acoustics as a tool for marine conservation.

I am interested in the use of long-term passive acoustic monitoring for obtaining a better understanding of species presence and movements and infer possible causes for change.

I am also interested in assessing and understanding the impacts of anthropogenic noise on the marine environment. Part of my current research involves quantifying ambient and device generated underwater noise relevant to and for the assessment of environmental impacts of the marine renewables industry.

Current research projects

Collaborative Oceanography and Monitoring for Protected Areas and Species (COMPASS): The COMPASS project links hydrodynamic modelling and monitoring efforts in Irish and Scottish waters to understand population connectivity and build capacity for effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Within the project I will be involved with developing long-term monitoring strategies for highly mobile protected species such as marine mammals, as well as ambient noise assessments. Funded by EU SEUPB INTERREG VA Programme. 2017-21

Influence of lower frequency ADDs on cetaceans in Scottish coastal waters (LEAP): This project aimed to establish the effects of the use of lower frequency acoustic signals delivered by a new generation of 'cetacean friendly' ADD devices on harbour porpoises in the context of Scottish coastal waters aquaculture sites. Funded by SARF. 2016-17

Consultancy and industry experience

Dr Denise Risch is a marine mammal ecologist with experience in underwater acoustics.

Over the past 2 years she has been involved in several projects reviewing and studying environmental impacts of marine renewable projects. Her expertise is in providing quantitative perspectives on ambient and device-generated underwater noise and assess noise impacts on marine species.

Accessing consultancy services from SAMS

SAMS consultancy work is delivered through its wholly owned commercial subsidiary, SAMS Research Services Ltd. (SRSL). SRSL operates a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS) that is accredited to ISO9001:2008 standard, guaranteeing that all projects deliver the best possible service to our customers. All SRSL projects are planned by a professional programme manager who oversees a team of dedicated project managers, all of whom are focussed specifically on client delivery, and have scientific experience and technical expertise in fields relevant to their assigned projects.

Lecturing

Current research students

Charlotte Findlay: Propagation of underwater noise from Scottish fish farms. PhD registered at the University of the Highlands and Islands. 2017-20

TBD: Understanding High Energy Marine Environments: Predicting the drivers of animal behaviour and how to best monitor interactions with marine renewable development. PhD registered at the University of Aberdeen. 2017-20

Pierre Cauchy: Sounds in the sea: how can we listen from ocean gliders? PhD registered at the University of East Anglia. 2016-19

Samuel Wilson: Acoustic detection of minke whales in the Moray Firth, Scotland. MSc project at the University of St Andrews. 2017

Charlotte Findlay: The relative use of different types of CAADs used in fish farms along the west coast of Scotland. MSc project at the University of St Andrews. 2016

Hayden Ripple: Spatiotemporal patterns in CAAD usage off the west coast of Scotland. MSc project at the University of St Andrews. 2016

About us

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.Learn more about us…